Random thoughts, Cancer, Toxins, etc.

Reminiscing on the passing of Steve Jobs makes one wonder how someone so brilliant and so talented could be taken so soon.   It is sad at any age, sadder still when it is a young person or someone who has passed before their time.   In Steve’s case, could it have been genetics, was it stress, a virus, or toxins in our environment.  What the medical community knows so far about pancreatic cancer and all cancers in general, is that we really don’t “always” know for certain.   We have statistics and we have probable causes and we know some of the risk factors; genetics, age, poor health habits such as smoking, obesity, diet, chemicals and toxins in the environment and more.   And in Steve Job’s case, no probable cause, was listed.   One can’t help but wonder if the toxins in our environment weren’t the biggest contributing factor in his case, or most of the cases today. 

One might take away, from the statistics on cancer, that increased age alone is the biggest factor in developing cancer, as the numbers progress rapidly upwards as we age.  But deciphering what those figures really mean, may reveal the real reason as to why our bodies cannot fight the assault of cancer cells.  Is it really that at some age, our bodies no longer have the ability to fight the mutated cells, or is it that our bodies, at a later date, becomes so overwhelmed with the amount of chemicals and toxins, that no single person could have fought the onslaught.  I believe that it is the latter rather that the former and here is where the discussion on cancer truly starts.

We must start asking ourselves the hard questions about cancer.  Is it worth having the illnesses and early loss of life caused by cancer, when the only benefit is the acquisition of the “stuff” which turns into “junk” that may have contributed to the cancer, (produced via the use of toxic chemicals), in the first place?    I am sure that as a society we can agree, that the cost / benefit ratio is high, and not worth the benefit in the end.  We as a nation can do better than that and it is time to rethink the way we do things.   Let’s start by joining the Green Movement for a better and healthier nation, and let’s start today!

For more information on the connection of toxins to cancer, follow this link:http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-05-06-1Achem06_ST_N.htm

About my Wonderful Professor at Irvine Valley College, Kimberly Keyton

Kimberly Keyton is my professor at IVC in class ENV 180.   She is engaging and charismatic.  Her methods of instruction are unmatched and I believe our class has been captivated by her lessons.   Like a conductor in a symphony, Kimberly keeps us organized, on track and moving in one focused direction towards our ultimate goal of finding jobs, and or green jobs.  Additionally class has been fun which has allowed the material to take a lasting and firm hold in our memories— and isn't that what teaching should really be all about, the ability to so captivate and engage your students that before they know it, they have easily and seamlessly absorbed the material.  Kimberly is one of the best instructors that I have ever had.

What I would pursue in Green Zero Waste World

Where do I start....?  These wonderful green ideas come to me but just how do I implement them.  Art from scrap metal, used clothing-redesigned, speciality greeting cards designed from recycled paper and minimally processed, that can be re-mailed again and again.  But without a doubt my favorites would have to be designs in clothing, furniture and housing that transcends the ages, becomes timeless, and is lasting and practical.  I recently read an article that piqued my interest and made me wonder if it really could be possible to design clothes that all future generations could embrace and wear even if they had been clothing designed and worn in our grandmothers’ era.   This may very well be a side hobby for me initially and then with any luck will develop into something that is more concrete and maybe even provide a decent living.   For others out there like me who have temporarily without employment, it’s good to know that there are so many exciting choices up and coming in the green industry that why stop at just one—make all of the possibilities a part of your exploration into a new job or hobby!

What I have personally learned and changed in my life because of classes at IVC

What I have personally learned and changed in my life because of classes at IVC has been multi-faceted and by that I mean, I have re-evaluated everything that I thought about recycling and even though I was proud of my efforts, I know now that they were only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to living more sustainably and I for one am glad that I have discovered this whole new world of Zero Waste.  It's not enough to recycle--the whole mindset needs to change to one of re-use and reduce more so than recycle.  But even the efforts towards recycling cannot be discounted.  I love the way I think about things now, especially when it comes to shopping; for instance, because of the state of the economy I find that I am patching my clothes and my husbands clothes more than ever.  I use to buy patches, now I don't buy anything at all and instead use scraps from other clothing that are beyond repair.  This allows me to express my creativity with the benefit of wearing clothes that no one else has.  Zero Waste is not only essential for a healthy citizenry but for many, they will find fun, profitability and enjoyment in discovering new ways to be sustainable.

Cradle to Cradle Commentary III - The inspiration

Continuing on from my last post, I find this to be an exciting new adventure into the possibilities of what ifs; what if we are able to create new products that are sustainable in every way, while producing new and clean jobs  and factories.  What if we are able to keep our citizens and most importantly our children, healthy and safe.  Who wouldn't want this for our country.  The possibilities could be endless if only our society would start thinking more in this direction. And like anything, it requires educating our citizens, but some people are resistant to change.  Unfortunately it sometimes takes the government to just institute changes for our own well being-a better way would be just to get everyone on board with believing in the benefits of sustainable living and the negative costs of living in any other way.  Looking to people who inspire us in our culture and tapping their celebrity has often been a vehicle for approaching difficult topics--such as Leonardo Dicaprio's investment of time and energy into environmental activism and philanthropy efforts.  People like him and therefore he can be a great influence for society.

Cradle to Cradle Commentary II - What did it make me question

Continuing to read further into the book, I am intrigued by and question new and exciting ways to live on this earth.  I have been able to find that there are people out there as interested in sustainable living as I am and researching it from a scientific perspective.  For instance the making of the book itself was a feat all on it's own; just how do you make a book, in order to educate the masses, while maintaining your philosophy of zero waste- what process and what materials do you use to be the least harmful to the environment.  At this point, it  is a matter of continually rethinking how we make things and continual experimentation into better design- this has been of the most exciting topics for me and has made me start to think of ways to provide products to society in a whole new and exciting way.

Cradle to Cradle Commentary I and home design

Cradle to Cradle is an excellent book for anyone to read would be interested in opening their perspectives into Zero Waste.  I have found it very similar to the information in the You Tube video "The story of stuff".  However it goes further in discussing the thought process behind producing products in an sustainable way. For instance Clay homes that have been built by other cultures that retain heat in the winter and coolness in the summer has never be considered into the design of homes in the U.S.  While it may not be practical for some climates, notably the much colder ones, just getting the thought process started as to how other cultures have dealt with extremes in climate while living sustainably, would be worth while for future home designers to consider in the evolution of home design going forward.